47. TO HAVE COMPASSION, SYMPATHY, FORBEARANCE
47. TO HAVE COMPASSION, SYMPATHY, FORBEARANCE
Both and are translated ‘have compassion,’ but there is a marked difference between the words. (from , ‘moderate in passions’) occurs but once in the N.T., Heb 5:2, referring to the Levitical priest, who “exercised forbearance” (the true meaning of the word: ‘reasonably bear with’ margin ) on the ignorant and the erring, being himself clothed with infirmity. Hence if ‘compassion’ is admissible, it is as on the ignorant and erring
(from , ‘with,’ and , ‘to suffer’) is to have sympathy with others who are suffering. The blessed Lord, having been tempted in all points apart from sin, can sympathise, not with sin, but with the infirmities of the saints (have ‘a fellow-feeling,’ as Bengel expresses it), Heb 4:15. Paul was able to say that the believing Hebrews sympathised with him in his bonds, Heb 10:34; and all are exhorted to be sympathising (‘have compassion’ A.V., ), full of brotherly love, etc. 1Pe 3:8. The thought of compassion, not sympathy, can be connected with God: Christ can sympathise because, having become man, He has passed through trials: He has a fellow-feeling
Neither of the words occurs in the LXX Vat., but the Alex. codex has in Job 29:25. Job says ‘I sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the midst of warriors, as one comforting fellow-mourners:’ he was as one with them